Open2Study: Microbiology and Forensic Science

with Dr Sereen M.B Bataineh

Have you ever thought about infectious diseases and why we get infected? What is the causative agent? In this course you will be touring through four modules, starting by taking a close look at the bacterial cell structure and functions which will then lead you to the study of viruses.

You will go through the differences in the different types of cells which will allow you to distinguish the two major groups of bacteria and techniques. Next, you will focus on Forensic Microbiology, its history and how this discipline has evolved. Finally, we will look at the latest molecular techniques used for detecting microbes’ genetic material.

What will I learn?

Bacterial cell structure and function

Viruses and their structure

How Forensic Microbiology has evolved

Different types of Forensic Microbiology

Differences in Forensic Science versus Forensic Microbiology

How to read a scientific journal and review one in a case study

Genotyping techniques

The role of DNA and RNA in Microbiology and Forensic Science

Where could this lead me?

If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.

MOOCs stand for Massive Open Online Courses. These arefree online courses from universities around the world (eg. StanfordHarvardMIT) offered to anyone with an internet connection.

How do I register?

To register for a course, click on "Go to Class" button on the course page. This will take you to the providers website where you can register for the course.

How do these MOOCs or free online courses work?

MOOCs are designed for an online audience, teaching primarily through short (5-20 min.) pre recorded video lectures, that you watch on weekly schedule when convenient for you. They also have student discussion forums, homework/assignments, and online quizzes or exams.